And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

REVELATION 18:4KJV
Know the Bible

Revelation 18:4 (KJV)

What does Revelation 18:4 mean?

Revelation 18:4 describes a voice from heaven calling God’s people to leave “her” (Babylon), warning them not to share in her sins or suffer her punishments. The verse urges separation from a corrupt system so that those who belong to God are not caught up in its coming judgment.

The setting is a vision given to John, where he hears another voice—distinct from previous speakers—addressing believers during the downfall of “Babylon,” a symbol for a powerful, sinful city or system. The call to “come out” is both a warning and an invitation, emphasizing that God’s people must not participate in the wrongdoing of this society if they wish to avoid the consequences that will follow.

The Greek behind Revelation 18:4

  • ἔξελθε (exelthe, “Come out”): This Greek word is a strong command, not just a suggestion. It carries the sense of urgent departure, highlighting the seriousness of the warning.
  • συγκοινωνηταί (sugkoinōnētai, “partakers”): This word means to share or participate together. The verse warns against any kind of partnership or involvement in the sins of Babylon, not just physical presence.
  • πληγῶν (plēgōn, “plagues”): This term refers to severe afflictions or disasters. The warning is that those who stay and participate will share in these specific judgments.

Why Revelation 18:4 matters

  • Revelation 18:4 clarifies that God’s people are called to be distinct from corrupt systems, not just in belief but in action and association.
  • The verse highlights personal responsibility: simply being present or involved with wrongdoing can bring consequences, even if one does not actively participate.
  • This call connects to the larger theme in Revelation of judgment against evil and the protection of those who remain faithful and obedient to God’s instructions.

Where else these words appear

“be” Greek G4790 · used in 3 verses

  • Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
  • Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

“plagues” Greek G4127 · used in 20 verses

  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
  • Revelation 15:6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

“that” Greek G3363 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
  • John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.
  • Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

“voice” Greek G5456 · used in 129 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
  • Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,